Abstract: The cryosurgical system comprises a Joule-Thomson cryoprobe including a Joule-Thomson nozzle and a cryoprobe outlet. The Joule-Thomson nozzle is in fluid communication with the cryoprobe outlet. A high pressure gas supply line is aligned to supply gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe. An operating cut-off valve is operatively connected to the high pressure gas supply line, the valve being operable to supply and cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe. A vent valve assembly is operatively connected to the high pressure gas supply line, the vent valve assembly being operable to vent gas from the high pressure supply line immediately upon operation of the operating cut-off valve to cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe. An interlock controls the vent valve assembly, the interlock being operable to open the vent valve assembly immediately upon operation of the cut-off valve to cut off high pressure gas to the Joule-Thomson cryoprobe.

Abstract: A first control optics assembly receives an incoming optical wavefront and adjusts that incoming optical wavefront. A second control optics assembly receives a driver optical wavefront and adjusts that driver optical wavefront. A combiner receives an output from the first control optics assembly and an output from the second control optics assembly. The combiner provides a combined, co-linear output wavefront having an initial beam size. Spatial light modulator (SLM) addressing optics receives the combined, co-linear output wavefront and produces a desired beam size for the combined, co-linear output wavefront. The SLM receives the output from the SLM addressing optics and provides localized phased shifting of the resulting wavefront. SLM egressing optics receives the output of the SLM and returns the beam size of the wavefront to the initial beam size. The output of the SLM egressing element has desired portions of its phase shifted relative to the incoming optical wavefront.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for placing cryoprobes in a treatment area of a human patient. The system includes a computer system for displaying an image of a treatment area, a template of suggested cryoprobe palcements in the treatment area and images of actual cryoprobes placed within treatment area. The computer system is programmed to perform the steps of: acquiring the image of the treatment area, determining desired dimensions of the treatment area based on the image of the treatment area, determining the optimal cryoprobe placements in the treatment area based on the determined desired dimensions to provide the template of suggested cryoprobe placement, acquiring the images of actual cryoprobes placed within the treatment area, and overlaying the template of suggested cyroprobe placements on the acquired images of actual cryoprobes.

Abstract: A system and method for performing cryosurgery of the prostate while protecting surrounding tissue. Cryosurgical probes are provided with argon gas for cooling and with helium for warming. Probes are inserted into the prostate and supplied with argon gas for cooling, while probes inserted into the surrounding tissue and supplied with helium gas for warming. The warmed probes protect the surrounding tissue from freezing.

Abstract: The applicator includes a frame assembly, a plurality of wheels attached to this frame assembly, a spindle assembly supported by the frame assembly, and a plurality of stress-relief rollers. The frame assembly includes left and right side support assemblies which include respective left and right side handle assemblies. Elongated support elements secure the left side support assembly to the right side support assembly. The wheels moveably support the frame assembly relative to the roof. The spindle assembly is supported by the left and right side support assemblies. The spindle assembly is capable of holding a spool of roofing felt. The stress-relief rollers extend between the left and right side support assemblies. When an operator desires to apply roofing felt, roofing felt is dispensed from the spool of roofing felt and is directed serially through the plurality of stress-relief rollers so as to relieve stress in the roofing felt prior to its application to the roof.

Abstract: During the application of heat the intumescent coating is transformed into a swollen char material, which acts as a thermal barrier to eliminate or minimize incoming heat flux. It also acts as a mass transfer barrier, inhibiting oxygen from reaching the thermally insulative ablative material. During the intumescence process, the swollen material will also back fill into interstices within the ablative material and char to enhance their strength. The intumescent coating also acts as a moisture barrier to protect the thermally insulative ablative material from ambient elements such as moisture.

Abstract: The system includes at least one data receiver, a low-power photo-voltaic power generation and distribution system, and a unique signal detector. The data receiver receives serial digital information from a remote optical data transmitter. The data receiver serves both activation and data/control wireless datalink functions. The low-power photo-voltaic power generation and distribution system includes at least one photo-voltaic panel for receiving optical power from a remote optical emission source; and power conditioning, accumulation, and distribution means. Such means includes a digital micro-power timer integrated circuit. The power conditioning, accumulation, and distribution means is connected to the photo-voltaic panel for accumulating power generated by the photo-voltaic panel for periodically and intermittently distributing accumulated power in desired quantities.

Abstract: A shoulder arthrometer for measuring glenohumeral joint translation upon application of a force to an arm of a patient. It includes an arm attachment assembly, a force measurement gauge, a translation measurement gauge assembly, and a girdle assembly. The arm attachment assembly is capable of being secured to the arm of a patient. The force measurement gauge is operably engaged with the arm attachment assembly for measuring a force applied to the arm attachment assembly in anterior-posterior directions and the inferior direction. The translation measurement gauge assembly is operably engaged with the arm attachment assembly. It is capable of measuring anterior-posterior translations and inferior translations relative to the arm of a patient and includes a girdle connecting element. The girdle assembly is operably engageable with the girdle connecting element. The girdle assembly is capable of being secured to the torso of the patient to provide a fixed point of reference.

Abstract: The optical system includes an optical source capable of producing light having physical characteristics sufficient for optically driven chemical disassociation of a fuel; and, an optical delivery system for providing optical delivery of light from the optical source to a chemical fuel source. The optical system is used for a propulsion producing engine having a chemical fuel source. The endothermic fuel generation is produced by the non-linear, optical interaction of the produced light with the fuel, thereby leading to molecular dissociation of the fuel.

Abstract: A mixture of a binder and a particle material, the mixture having 50 to 90 volume percent of the particle material. The binder is curable in a temperature range of 50° F. to 90° F. The volume percent of the present composition provides an inherent permeability in any conventional application method. It can be sprayed or applied by hand and yet it still maintains an intrinsic permeability.

Abstract: The ignition system includes an optical source capable of producing light having physical characteristics sufficient for optically driven chemical disassociation of a hydrogen peroxide oxidizer; and, an optical delivery system for providing optical delivery of light from the optical source to a combustion chamber. The ignition system is used for a propulsion producing engine having a combustion chamber for the introduction of a fuel and a hydrogen peroxide oxidizer. The initiation of combustion is produced by the non-linear, optical interaction of the produced light with a fuel and the oxidizer present in the combustion chamber, thereby leading to molecular disassociation of the oxidizer such that there is initiation of combustion.

Abstract: A hypervelocity impact shield assembly for protecting a spacecraft surface from hypervelocity impactors. The shield assembly includes at least one sacrificial impactor disrupting/shocking layer of hypervelocity impactor disrupting/shocking material. A primary spacing element, including space-rated open cell foam material, is positioned between the at least one sacrificial impactor disrupting/shocking layer and a spacecraft surface. A cover member is arranged and disposed relative to the sacrificial impactor disrupting/shocking layer and the primary spacing element to maintain the integrity of the hypervelocity impact shield assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing products which are produced using a rotary kiln to heat up raw materials introduced therein, the rotary kiln being of the type having an inlet end, an intermediate zone, a burning zone and a discharge end. The method of manufacturing includes firstly introducing raw material at an inlet end of a rotary kiln. The raw material is then passed through an intermediate zone of the rotary kiln. It is then passed through a burning zone of the rotary kiln. Waste rubber material is introduced as at least a portion of fuel while the raw material passes through the burning zone adjacent to the discharge end.

Abstract: A system and method for defending a vehicle against an approaching threat, is disclosed. A threat approaching the vehicle is identified. A rigid body is then deployed from the vehicle. Means associated with the body are provided for allowing controlled, guided propulsion of the body to position a reference axis of the body to a desired orientation relative to the threat and to translate the body substantially perpendicular to the reference axis, so as to eliminate the threat.